Expand Services for Expecting Mothers
In Augusta, Georgia, a nonprofit organization called Prepare for Babies is taking a significant step forward in its mission to support pregnant women. The organization has been providing essential resources such as clothing, diapers, nursing supplies, mentorship, counseling, and parent training to expecting mothers since January. Their goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where women can thrive during their pregnancies and beyond.
Mandy Metzler, the founder of Prepare for Babies, emphasized the importance of this support. “We’re here and we’re a safe place. That even when you do fail, you can just get back up and learn. We’re going to be there with you for that, and we’re going to be here to also celebrate all the fun and good things,” she said.
Since January, the organization has made remarkable progress. They are set to open a new house specifically for expectant mothers who need it the most. This initiative has been a long-term goal for the organization. “We have been able to help over 300 moms. We saw that this was a need even right here in our community, but we didn’t know to what extent, and quickly found out that housing was the biggest need,” Metzler explained.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new house will take place next month. The house will eventually accommodate six mothers, allowing them to live there throughout their pregnancy and until the baby is 18 months old. During this time, they will receive ongoing support and resources for their future. Mandy and her husband will also reside in the house, acting as mentors and role models for the mothers.
“We joke as the ‘first house family.’ We want the mom to see what it looks like, the bad and the ugly,” said Metzler. This hands-on approach allows the mothers to observe real-life experiences and learn from them.
The support system for the mothers will include past participants of the program. “They’ll be the staff that the moms can go to for questions or help or rides,” Metzler noted. This peer-to-peer support is crucial in helping new mothers navigate the challenges of parenthood.
The community has played a vital role in the success of Prepare for Babies. From donations to repairs, people have contributed in countless ways. “We had the washer and dryer donated. Just coming to everybody pitching in, it’s just been beautiful,” Metzler shared. She expressed gratitude for the collective effort and the positive impact it has had on the organization.
Looking ahead, Metzler hopes that after she and her husband pass the baton to the next house parents, the model will continue to evolve. “Ideally, after we leave and pass the baton on to the next house parents, it would either be like a married couple or just a single woman. So like a house mom. But we’ve really felt like God was asking us to be the first house parents so that we could really lay a good foundation for what God was calling this vision to be.”
Applications for the house will begin the first week of August. Interested individuals can apply online by visiting www.prepareforbabies.org/pregnant1. Additionally, the nonprofit has an Amazon wishlist that includes items needed to furnish the house. You can find the list by clicking here.
Prepare for Babies continues to make a difference in the lives of expecting mothers. Their commitment to creating a supportive environment and providing essential resources is making a lasting impact on the community. Through the efforts of volunteers, donors, and the local community, the organization is paving the way for a brighter future for mothers and their children.
